In a previous post, I mentioned the value of podcasts as an educational resource, but didn't go into a lot of detail. Today I'll talk more about the filmmaking podcasts that I have discovered, what they talk about, and what I like or dislike about them.
Indie Film Hustle - Alex Ferrari bills his podcast as "Industry Interviews, Real World Knowledge, and Inspiration" which I find to be accurate. This is not a new podcast and, as such, there are a lot of episodes to choose from. As someone new to the industry, this pod has been instrumental in developing my knowledge base. Can't recommend enough. It's hard to pick a favorite episode to recommend because there are so many. I'd say, just choose one on a topic of interest to you personally.
Film Trooper - There hasn't been a new episode since March, so this pod must be on a hiatus, but there are some great past episodes full of practical advice. As with Indie Film Hustle, pick an episode that is relevant to your current film goals.
Filmonomics - Slated's podcast doesn't appear to be currently in production, but there is some valuable information in the episodes that are available. I especially liked the Keri Putnam episode as we've struggled with the expense and exclusivity of film data here at Makeshift. Granted, the Sundance Institute's Transparency Project does not appear to have worked out as planned, but it was still refreshing to hear someone else discuss the problem.
Gritty Filmmaker's Podcast - A promising new pod out of Denver that bills itself as from the perspective of indie professionals. You may not be able to find it on your favorite podcatcher just yet (I use Pocket Casts and it's not on there), but it is on YouTube and Soundcloud.
Denver Media Professionals Podcast - These episodes are long, but if you are looking for in-depth interviews with industry professionals, it's a great place to go. Tends to focus on local industry professionals, so if you live in Colorado, you may hear someone you know!
A24 Podcast - A24 has been in the news for all the right reasons lately and now they have their own little podcast. There's no host, just recordings of film professionals chatting, which can be useful and interesting depending on the people in question.
The Business with Kim Masters - Industry news and interviews with Kim Masters, editor at large of The Hollywood Reporter. This pod usually leads with a bit of news and then goes into the interview. As with most interview-centric pods, my interest in the person being interviewed dictates my interest in the episode. Can be good. Can be valuable.
Business of Film - Episodes are released erratically, which is frustrating. They do have some good ones, particularly the episode with Matthew Helderman of Bondit Media Capital, which really reveals in detail just how difficult it is to get a film funded.
Film Courage Podcast - I really like the Film Courage YouTube channel and have only recently discovered that there is a podcast, so I don't actually know it very well yet. I'm including it in this list, because I do like the YouTube channel and there are times it's easier to listen instead of watch.
Filmmaker Freedom Podcast - I was enjoying this podcast, but there haven't been any new episodes since August of 2018, so it might be done. It was a mix of practical advice and inspiration and all of those old episodes are still available if you want to check them out.
Filmmaking Stuff - Jason Brubaker's episodes often run a little shorter than some of the others pods, which is nice if you only have time for a quick bite of knowledge. Should be part of your pod repertoire.
You Must Remember This - This is the only pod on this list that isn't actually about filmmaking, but I love it so much that I had to include it. It's basically history from the perspective of Hollywood, with a focus on golden age Hollywood stories. It's good to know the history of the industry you work in, so check it out. My favorite episode is the one about Carole Lombard and Clark Gable.
Indiewire Screen Talk - This is another one I've just discovered, but there are several interesting topics that I'm looking forward to hearing about, specifically the one about "Amazon, Sundance, and the Future of Independent Film."
On the Page with Pilar Alessandra - Great advice for screenwriters with occasional interviews. I participated in a writer's conference with Alessandra at AFM last year and really liked her presentation, which led to me subscribing to this pod. I feel guilty for not writing when I listen to pods about writing, so I've listened to this erratically, but I do find her to be motivational when I am feeling blocked.
The Producer's Guide: Tom Garner & Hollywood's Elite - I learned about this podcast via LinkedIn just recently, but was impressed with the episode I heard, "Michael Ryan & The State of Indie Filmmaking." It appears to be an interview-based pod, so like others of it's kind, the value of each episode is likely dependent upon the interviewee.
Scriptnotes - I've just discovered this one so I don't have a lot to say about it other than that one of the hosts is Craig Mazin, creator and writer of Chernobyl on HBO. I was really impressed with Chernobyl and am a fledgling screenwriter, so this pod is in queue.
Happier in Hollywood - Inspiration and practical advice for surviving in Hollywood from a couple of screenwriters who know the score. Especially good for screenwriters, but nice for everyone.
Bonus: The Gary Vee Audio Experience - Gary Vee is not a filmmaker, nor is he a motivational speaker, but he is a business man who has fought his way up from the bottom with grit, determination, and hard work. He is inspirational, whether or not that is the point. Highly recommended.
That's it for now, but there are new pods coming and old ones retiring all of the time, so if you are a fan, keep an eye out for interesting new ones and let us know what you find! We have a few in the works ourselves, so subscribe to this website or our social media for news!